TdP and Chilean Currency

Hi,

Going to Torres del Paine directly from El Calafate. I'm only going to be in Chile for the TdP W-trek (by camping). Do I need any Chilean pesos there? Thank you!

In my opinion, you need Chilean pesos, but you might find that you can pay in US dollars and receive change in pesos probably at a reduced exchange rate. I know you say you are going directly to TDP, but if for some reason you don't, there are ATM's in Puerto Natales. Another option is change some money in El Calafate - although you might have to change to Argentina pesos and then to Chilean pesos which will result in paying two commissions which is normal foreign exchange procedure the world over.

Yes, you certainly do, or you won't get in!!

COSTS from Feb 2007:

Park Entrance CH$15,000 (US$30) to be paid in Chilean pesos only
Ferry across Lago Pehoe CH $17,000 return, CH$11,000 1 way, to be paid in Chilean pesos only
Shuttle transfer from Laguna Amarga to Refugio Torres CH$1,000 each way, to be paid in Chilean pesos only
There were also shuttles from Laguna Amarga to Lake Pehoe, but I don´t know the cost.

Refugio Cost – varies a bit by refugio, will cost 19% more than the prices shown here if you pay in Chilean pesos (due to tax). So pay for these in US$:
Dorm Bed US$25-35
Set Dinner US14-15
Box Lunch US$12-13
Breakfast US$8-9
Full board US$59-63, it does save a few $$
Camping US$7 per person, not per tent
2 person tent US$11-14
Sleeping bag US$4-7
Mattress US$3-5

Hi
You will need chilean currency as for some things, you can´t pay in dollars. (park entrance for instance, as long as i was told)
However, you can change at PN if you go through there, or at Cerro Castillo at the confiteria ´Los ovejeros´or something like that (the big one, can´t miss it).
ps: note that when i was in PN three weeks ago, all banks and casas de cambio were closed at 2-3 pm (lunch and / or siesta i suppose), so i had to withdraw money from an ATM.

Brgds

Thanks all!